mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, yellowish-tan to translucent orange-brown color with waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal system, specific gravity 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, yellowish-tan to translucent orange-brown color with waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal system, specific gravity 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich fluid crystallization in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites, later eroded and rounded by water transport in riverbeds, lake shores, or ocean beaches.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as beach stones, used in landscaping, river rock gravel, aggregate, and occasionally tumbled for lapidary crafts.
Geological facts
Iron inclusions or oxide staining often give translucent beach quartz pebbles a warm honey, yellow, or orange color, making them popular search targets for beachcombers.
Field identification & locations
Look for a translucent, glass-like fracture and high hardness (scratches steel). Commonly found on gravel bars, riverbanks, and coastlines worldwide.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
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Mineral/Rock